Olentzero is a character from the myths of the Basque Country. Every Christmas Eve, this charcoal maker comes down from the mountains to leave presents in the towns and villages. He is traditionally depicted as being fat, with his faced smeared with soot, wearing a beret and holding a pipe.

Most researchers believe that Olentzero’s deeper meaning lies in the winter solstice, at that time of year when the sun ‘is born again’ and days start getting longer. Portraying Olentzero as an old man, wearing dirty clothes and smeared with soot, represents the old year: the cycle is exhausted, grown old, and Olentzero comes down to the village for the last time. Christianity adapted that tradition and gave Olentzero the role of announcing the birth of Jesus Christ.

The origin of Olentzero can therefore be traced back to pre-Christian times of the Basque Country, and linked to celebrating the winter solstice. In Basque mythology, some pagan giants known as Jentils lived in the mountains, away from society; they carried out hard physical work (charcoal makers, stonemasons…) and are often considered to be the symbol of times of old. Many researchers explain Olentzero as a Christianised versions of one of those Jentils: the giant or large man who lived alone in the mountains, who represented the old world and disappeared with the arrival of the new faith.

As has already been said, Olentzero appeared as a Jentil or a giant in Basque mythology, who scared children. But the influence of Father Christmas and the Three Kings began to be felt in the 20th century, and Olentzero became a friendly character who handed out presents. Olentzero is now the main figure of the Christmas Eve parade. The groups of carol singers performing in the streets usually carry an Olentzero figure.

Olentzero is part of Basque identity and passes on values to children; parades are held and carols sung to celebrate him in the towns and villages every year. His varied history and original rituals show how Basque culture is able to adapt.

Versions on YouTube:

Xirula Mirula
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_R6nflUeSiY
 
Oiartzungo kantu zaharrrak
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90tolvDgTA0
 
Pantxoa eta Peio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS64dXkNZEk
 
Txirri, Mirri eta Txiribiton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGdk_F2XjYU

The character of Olentzero changed greatly in the 19th and 20th centuries to adapt to tradition and society. In the 19th century, Olentzero was a wild and frightening giant – a drunk and coarse charcoal maker – and often used to frighten children; he was depicted as a puppet and was not considered as a delightful or friendly figure.

A great change happened in the second half of the 20th century: Olentzero became friendly and affable, like Father Christmas; he began to give out presents to the children and the character was no longer depicted as dirty and course. His clothes were more elegant and his appearance became more standardised – often with a beard, though traditionally that had not been the case. As society became more secular, the religious influence disappeared and Olentzero became a popular and cultural figure, along with other new features in different places (such as, being accompanied by Mari Domingi).
 
In recent decades, Olentzero has also become a symbol of the modern festivities of consumerism and showy displays, with large parades and gifts handed out to small children, driven by the influence of shopping habits. At the same time, he has been centre-stage in political protests and cultural grievances, particularly from the end of the 20th century.